Acute confusion: A collaborative approach to the development of a delirium strategy for the emergency department

International Conference on Nursing & Emergency Medicine

December 02-04, 2013 Hampton Inn Tropicana, Las Vegas, NV, USA

Laura Wilding

Accepted Abstracts: J Nurs Care

Abstract :

Delirium is common clinical syndrome in Emergency Department (ED) patients that is frequently under recognized and under treated. When missed, this medical condition is associated with a significant morbidity and mortality as well as a considerable increase in caregiver burden and hospital costs. This presentation will provide an overview of the collaborative approach between the Geriatric Emergency Management (GEM) nurses and the ED nurse educators to the development and implementation of a comprehensive delirium strategy for emergency department staff at The Ottawa Hospital. An improved approach to managing these patients can have a significant impact on patient outcomes, while providing the ED staff with concrete tools and strategies to identify and manage these challenging patients.

Biography :

Laura Wilding has been involved with Emergency and Trauma care since 1990. As the Advanced Practice Nurse for the Geriatric Emergency Management (GEM) program, she has worked to develop, implement & evaluate this program within nine Emergency Departments across the Champlain Local Health Integration Network in Ontario. In addition, she is involved with program planning provincially, and has presented the Ottawa GEM model nationally and internationally. She leads many education, research and quality initiatives advocating for an improved approach to care of the high-risk elderly in the emergency department.